Sudanese Activists and Rights Groups Oppose UAE Nomination for UN Secretary-General

Members of the Sudanese diaspora and international human rights organizations have publicly denounced the nomination of Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. The criticism focuses on Nusseibeh's past denials regarding allegations that the United Arab Emirates has provided support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during the ongoing war in Sudan.

The UAE nominated Nusseibeh, who served as the country's UN representative until 2024, to succeed António Guterres when his second term ends this year. Her candidacy entered the race following an informal UN Security Council poll earlier this month, where former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan was the narrow frontrunner, though all candidates received two or more opposing votes from permanent Security Council members.

RIGHTS ADVOCATES RAISE CONCERNS OVER INDEPENDENCE

Rights monitors and international groups have documented accusations of UAE support for the RSF, which is engaged in a conflict against the Sudanese army. The RSF has been accused of atrocities, including an October 2025 attack on the city of El Fasher that the UN stated carried the hallmarks of genocide. Critics argue that Nusseibeh's rejection of these claims makes her unsuitable to lead the global organization.

During a virtual briefing organized by the advocacy group Avaaz, human rights figures expressed alarm over the nomination. Former Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth stated that Nusseibeh persistently denied reports of UAE backing for the RSF despite available evidence, arguing that the RSF's military operations and mass atrocities relied on Emirati support. Kate Ferguson, co-executive director of Protection Approaches, questioned Nusseibeh's independence from her government, describing the bid as an effort toward autocratic influence within the UN.

Sudanese activists also voiced concern regarding the impact on public trust. Ibrahim Alduma, co-founder of the Sudan Action Hub, warned that her appointment would damage the credibility of the UN among victims of international crimes. Husam Mahjoub, co-founder of Sudan Bukra TV, stated that electing a senior UAE diplomat would place the chief defender of that government in charge of UN institutions at a critical moment for civilian accountability. Additionally, Hala al-Karib of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa stated that a Security Council endorsement of Nusseibeh would effectively amount to a denial of the genocidal acts in El Fasher.

NUSSEIBEH RESPONDS AND SELECTION PROCESS CONTINUES

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nusseibeh addressed the selection process, confirming she has taken a leave of absence from her UAE ministerial role to uphold the required independence of the UN office. She characterized the crimes committed by the RSF as atrocious and pledged to support UN fact-finding missions aimed at accountability and transitional justice in Sudan. Nusseibeh further noted that addressing the conflict in Sudan would serve as a key test for the next Secretary-General.

To secure the position, a candidate must receive at least nine affirmative votes from the 15-member Security Council without facing a veto from any of its five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, or Russia. The Security Council may hold its next straw poll as early as Friday, as diplomats continue to negotiate the format and exact timing of the vote.